Table of Contents
Introduction 1
Part I: Understanding What a Dissertation Is 7
Chapter 1: Sorting Out the Basics of a Dissertation 9
Chapter 2: Thinking About a Research Question 23
Part II: Getting Set Up for Your Dissertation 41
Chapter 3: Structuring Your Dissertation 43
Chapter 4: Getting Started 55
Chapter 5: Finalising Your Research Question and Considering Ethics 75
Chapter 6: Reading and Note-Taking Efficiently 97
Part III: Getting On with Your Research 115
Chapter 7: Collecting Information and Researching 117
Chapter 8: Generating Your Own Empirical Data 135
Chapter 9: Analysing Data and Drawing Conclusions 165
Chapter 10: Staying on Track 187
Part IV: Writing and Polishing Your Work 203
Chapter 11: Managing Your Argument: Writing Up Your Non-Empirical Dissertation 205
Chapter 12: Writing Up Your Empirical Dissertation 217
Chapter 13: Writing Effectively 229
Chapter 14: References, Bibliographies and Appendixes 247
Chapter 15: Presenting Your Dissertation 259
Part V: Managing the Overall Experience 271
Chapter 16: Organising Your Work Habits 273
Chapter 17: Looking After Yourself 285
Part VI: The Part of Tens 303
Chapter 18: Ten Pitfalls to Avoid 305
Chapter 19: Ten Top Tips for Finishing Your Dissertation Successfully 311
Chapter 20: Ten Things to Check Before You Bind Your Dissertation 317
Index 321